A safe base for trafficking survivors

The cause

The Snowdrop Project is a Sheffield-based charity dedicated to providing long-term support to empower survivors of human trafficking. They work closely with clients to ensure that their complex individual needs are met through services such as casework support, counselling, community activities, home renovation services, education, training and support into employment. 

Having started in a church hall in 2012 with no money, Snowdrop now has 18 employees operating across South Yorkshire at the time of writing, supporting nearly ten times as many people. 

The charity also works to raise awareness of modern slavery, the needs of survivors and best practice for providing long-term support through social media, speaking engagements and partnerships with national organisations. 

In June 2021, the Snowdrop Project won the prestigious CSJ Award, held by the Centre for Social Justice Alliance to honour the best grassroot charities and social enterprises across Britain. 

The impact

Snowdrop Project had previously rented premises, and their most recent office was prone to leaks. After being served notice as part of the landlord’s redevelopment plans, the charity was compelled to find a new home. 

Owning their premises will aid Snowdrop’s growth, service provision and provide much needed security. The team aims to create a stable and welcoming ‘second home’ for clients where they can feel safe and cared for, and receive the services they need.

The building itself is larger than their current needs, providing the flexibility to expand in future. They are currently renting the surplus space to organisations whose services complement Snowdrop’s, including legal support for victims of trafficking, English language services, and a period poverty organisation offering free menstrual products. An added benefit is that hiring out rooms will generate rental income, helping Snowdrop to service their loan repayments.

“I want to create a community-feel where we collaborate, share best practice and share a staff room to build relationships,” explains Lara. “We really feel that buying the building will enable us to start the next chapter for the charity, it’s really significant.”

Adapting to the pandemic

During lockdown, Snowdrop Project adapted their client services. Casework support and counselling switched to telephone support – shorter and more regular contact that provided, for some, their only external contact. Regular risk assessments were carried out to assess the mental health of the survivors during this difficult period and food drops were arranged for those self-isolating. 

A major project to create a ‘digital library’ and supply MiFi routers and tablets was launched to reduce social isolation and ensure clients could access essential public services such as schools, colleges, and GP appointments. Fundraising went online, with a virtual balloon race and pub quizzes.  Further support from Covid emergency grants helped to fund the digital library and service adaptations. Thanks to the passion and creativity of their team and the dedication of their supporters, no services were cut, and no staff needed to be furloughed.